DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I never realized the great responsibility that rests upon me as a Seventh-day Adventist as I have within a few weeks past. I have been trying to live out the truth for two years; but I have not seen the fruit that I could wish. I have found by searching my own heart that I have lacked the zeal of a true and faithful laborer. I am determined by the grace of God to press deeper into the work.
In the good providence of God I have enjoyed another privilege of meeting with those of like precious faith. The meetings of South Lancaster and Curtis Corners were of great profit to me. I have long desired to see Bro. and Sr. White. God has permitted me to see them. I was not long in forming a personal acquaintance with them, and as they gave me a place in their hearts, I felt that I had truly found a father and mother in Israel. I parted with them feeling that.
“If our fellowship below
In Jesus be so sweet,
What heights of rapture shall we know,
When round his throne we meet.”
I have renewed my covenant with God and will strive to be among the faithful when Jesus comes. Bro. and Sr. White have toiled hard among us here in the East. Let us not suffer them to bear burdens that belong to others; but let us come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty. Look at the work. The end of all things is at hand. May God in mercy stir us up to immediate action or the enemy will completely overpower us. Brethren and sisters, is all done that can be done? Are there not souls around you, whose blood, if they are lost, God will require at your hands? God will bless every honest effort to save souls. Keeping one hand hold of his almighty arm we cannot fail of success as we with the other reach out after the perishing. God lives and is mighty to save every member of his little flock who faithfully keeps his commandments. Don’t get discouraged, the end is drawing nearer. I expect to see Jesus, to behold him coming with power and great glory. It doth not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Yes, the day of the Lord is rapidly approaching. Shall we all be found waiting and with joyful hearts welcome the return of the Son of Man? I am determined that nothing shall separate me from the love of God, but with the little remnant I intend to go in to the marriage supper of the Lamb.
Yours, earnestly striving for eternal life.
EMMA E. STURGES.
Fairfield, Conn.
PRAYED HOME.
They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in the great waters, these see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep. In such circumstances man learns his helplessness as he learns it nowhere else; and there in times of extremest peril God reveals himself as the Saviour of the tempest-tossed, and the ruler of the storm.
Ah! God only knows how many prayers go up from fathers and mothers, and wives and children, who shudder at the howling of the midnight tempest, and fly for shelter to the covert of Jehovah’s wings, beseeching his mercy upon those who are beset with mortal peril and distress far out upon the raging deep.
And many a man, prayerless though he may be himself, yet feels and knows at such times the value of a mother’s prayers, and rests in confidence like that which led the poet to write,—
“Sleep soft, O wearied mariner,
Rocked in the cradle of the sea;
The ear of Heaven bends low to her,
He comes to port who sails with me.”
A writer in the Presbyterian says, “A minister tells us of a weather-beaten sailor who, on his homeward journey, encountered a dreadful tempest. His mother, who had expected his return, was waiting with deep anxiety to see her son. During the raging of the storm she trembled, as she sat in her cottage, for her beloved child’s safety; and with strong faith in God she earnestly prayed for his preservation.
When night came, she and her husband retired to bed; but not to rest. They were far too anxious to sleep. As the morning dawned, the winds were hushed, and all was calm. Presently the little gate in front of their dwelling turned on its hinges, the door opened, and their son, their beloved son, for whose life they had feared, stood before them. The vessel had been driven into one of the many harbors on the coast, and was safe. “Mother,” said he, as tears ran down his rugged face, “I know that you’d pray me home.”
Mother, pray on. The boy may be far away. Storms may beset him, and dangers surround him, but God hears prayer. And many a tempest-tossed and sorely-troubled soul, shall greet a mother in the paradise of God, and say, “Mother, you have prayed me home.”—The Christian.
A Lonely Witness for the Sabbath
By M. Rood
SR. M. ROOD writes from Roxbury, Vt.: It will be nine years next spring since I was convinced of the true Sabbath of the Lord. I was very sick at that time, no one thinking that I would live but a short time. I began to think about the Sabbath. I knew there were a people that kept the seventh day; but never had read any of their publications. I felt that I must know the truth. I covenanted with the Lord that if he would give me strength I would search the word of God, and know the truth. I thought if the apostles kept the first day, it was the Sabbath day. I began to gain not far from that time, which has always seemed to me in answer to prayer. When I got strength so I possibly could, I took my Bible and the Sabbath Manual, which teaches that the first day is the Sabbath, and also that the apostles kept the first day. I searched the New Testament through, and found nothing of the kind—nothing to sustain the first-day Sabbath. Then I hastened to fulfill my vows, although it was a great cross. I never have been sorry, although I am entirely alone here in the Advent faith. No one lives anywhere near to speak words of comfort.
Through the goodness of God and his people, I have the paper to encourage and comfort me in my lonely hours, for which I feel thankful. I need more grace to sustain me through all my trials and troubles, which I sometimes think are more than I can bear. May it be for my good. I am striving to overcome. I write to ask an interest in your prayers.
MEETINGS IN WOODSTOCK, ME.
By Wm. W. Putnam
As I have left Norridgewock for a few weeks, to labor with Bro. Howard here in Woodstock, I would express a word in regard to present prospects.
We had Bro. Waggoner with us Jan. 2, 3. His labors were instructive and spiritual. The church with the exception of a few who are halting to hold counsel with Sanballat and Tobiah, are coming up unitedly in the good cause of present truth. A number have started this winter. While Bro. Waggoner was with us, Bro. Barker and Haines were ordained to execute their offices as deacon and elder, by the laying on of hands. At the last prayer-meeting before I left, our long-prayed-for Sr. Rogers came out, and took her stand with us.
In regard to the work here in Woodstock, it seems that the Lord is working, although opposition is now springing up to impede the work. A number came forward last Sabbath, and joined our cause. Among them were two gray-haired men, who expressed their desires for religion. One has erected the family altar, and that night after he had arisen from his knees, he bade adieu to his tobacco and pipe. A number of others made a good start, and others came forward for prayers. We ask your prayers, that there may be a mighty rallying around the standard of truth, and that many may be gathered here, to prepare for the marriage supper of the Lamb. Wm. W. PUTNAM.
Renewing the Covenant
By L. E. Sutley
SR. L. E. SUTLEY writes from La Crosse Co., Wis.: As the old year is in the past, and another new year has commenced, I would renew my covenant to be more faithful in the future. I believe that it is our privilege to live so near the Saviour that we may have the evidence that our names are written in the Lamb's book of life.
My heart is sad when I call to remembrance the vast multitudes that are going the downward road to destruction. The times in which we live are truly perilous. How important that the people of God watch unto prayer!
I believe the precious truths advocated by the S. D. Adventist people. I love them more and more, for the light is shining brighter and brighter. I think I can understand the Bible better than ever before. Very soon, I believe, we shall witness an end of this dispensation. Oh! for strength to gain the victory at last.
Preparing for Translation
Bro. Wm. GULICK writes from St. Charles, Mich.: I am thankful to God for his great goodness to me in sending me a message of reproof and instruction. I have found it to be of great value to me. I am now of good courage to go forward in the work of overcoming. The heavenly Jerusalem attracts me. I want a right to enter that beautiful city. To get ready for translation to Heaven will require strong, energetic, and persevering efforts. I desire to be “steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.”
Help Requested in South Vineland
By Bro. Cochran; Sr. Cochran
BRO. AND SR. COCHRAN write from South Vineland, N. J.: We are still trying to hold on, and live out present truth. We love the REVIEW and the doctrines it advocates. We are circulating the books and papers, and there are some that have a mind to search; but the ministers are busy trying to put darkness for light. We are confident that God has a people in Vineland, and that in his own good time he will move upon some one of his servants to come over and help us. For this we are praying. There would be no trouble in procuring a place for meetings.
Encouragement in Present Truth
By D. D. Haines
Bro. D. D. HAINES writes from Haverhill, Mass.: I feel to praise the Lord for his loving kindness and tender mercies toward us. I have not grown weary in trying to walk in the narrow way, but am still striving against the world, the flesh, and the Devil, and I hope to overcome them all through the grace of God, and dwell in that world where there will be no such foes to contend with. The way looks bright, and the promises of God through Jesus Christ, very precious to me. I am willing to suffer with Jesus, that I may reign with him. Spiritual Gifts I love, and through the blessing of God they have been a great help to me. I feel determined to be zealous and repent of my wrongs and bring forth fruits worthy of repentance, and strive to live up to the light of the truths of the third angel's message. I believe these precious truths will triumph in the sanctification and salvation of the people who are truly the children of God, who are determined to do his righteous will.
My heart was moved in reading Bro. Waggoner's experience from the book of Psalms, in Vol. xxii, No. 23. It was just my mind. How perfectly true that the book of Psalms stands unrivaled for the spirit of devotion, of praise and trust. These holy and precious truths have encouraged and sustained me in some of my greatest trials and afflictions. I love all the truths of God's word, and see a beautiful harmony through all parts of it.
Speaking Evil of Others
To speak ill upon knowledge, shows a want of charity. To speak ill upon suspicion, shows a want of honesty. To know evil of others, and not speak it, is sometimes discretion. To speak evil of others, and not know it, is always dishonesty. He may be evil himself who speaks good of others upon knowledge; but he can never be good himself who speaks evil of others upon suspicion.
Gentle Reproof and Self-Examination
MARK the reason which the apostle assigns for gentle reproof. Consider thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
READING THE BIBLE THROUGH.
By J. H. W.
It has become quite a custom of late to read the Bible through by course. All right so far. But with some it is becoming a kind of mechanical operation; with some it is a matter of strife to see who shall read it through first; and I have heard one spoken of who read it through five times in the year 1868; at least, so it was said.
Perhaps that person had nothing else to do; or perhaps he had a superior mind to comprehend and retain truth; but as for me, to read the Bible in that manner would be an unprofitable performance. I have never been very successful in my efforts to read the Bible by course. Frequently in attempting to read a chapter my attention will be arrested by a verse, or a particular expression, which directs my mind to a parallel or kindred expression somewhere else, and before I am aware I have been looking over many other chapters in tracing their connection. This makes slow work in reading through the book, but I have found it sometimes very profitable and gratifying in its results.
Paul said he had rather speak five words with his understanding than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. This is a great difference in numbers, but the profit of the first will overbalance the great number of the last. It might be well for some of us to apply this rule to our reading, that is, to read a less number of chapters, but with the understanding. Generally it may be a good plan to read the Bible through once a year; but with many, who have many other duties to attend to, it may not be as profitable as to read more slowly. No rule should be arbitrarily followed, but let each strive to read to edification, to instruction, and to God's glory. J. H. W.
Topsham, Maine, Jan. 10, 1869.
Note from Bro. Cornell.
By M. E. Cornell
We are now engaged in a course of lectures in the Disciple house in Paris, about twelve miles from Brighton. Have given ten lectures, and the interest is good. The house is crowded most of the time. When Bro. Butler left, it was thought advisable for me to remain in the vicinity of Brighton for the present.
We had another season of baptism after Bro. Butler left; and the whole number who have united with the church at Brighton is forty-four. Several more will go forward when they have convenient opportunity.
Our address for three weeks is Valley P. O., Washington Co., Iowa. M. E. CORNELL.
Jan. 15, 1869.
Argument on the Mark of the Beast
THE Association has just issued in pamphlet form a concise argument on the mark of the beast by J. H. Waggoner, being a reply to I. C. Wellcome on that subject. It is specially adapted for circulation in New England, but will be of interest anywhere. Appended to the argument, are "God's answers to man's excuses for not keeping his Sabbath," also a collection of scriptures sustaining six important facts concerning the law of God. 16pp. Price $1.00 per hundred.
James Vick’s Floral Guide for 1869
Lovers of flowers, do you wish to know where you can obtain good reliable seeds for all the varied and beautiful productions of the floral kingdom? Send ten cents to James Vick, Rochester, N. Y., for his “Illustrated Catalogue, and Floral Guide for 1869,” from which you can make up an order for any amount and any variety of flower or vegetable seeds, at moderate prices, which unlike many seeds offered in the market, will persist in growing if properly planted. Mr. Vick has gained an almost world-wide reputation for furnishing seeds which are genuine and full of life. We do not think that any one who will patronize him, will be disappointed in the returns which he will receive.
“Make your home beautiful—bring to it flowers,
Plant them around you to bud and to bloom;
Let them give life to your loneliest hours,
Let them bring light to enliven your gloom.”
Question Book for Bible Students
BIBLE STUDENTS, ATTENTION!—A question book on the Key to the Chart, and Thoughts on Revelation has been prepared, and is now ready for delivery for the use of Sabbath Schools and Bible Classes. A wide field of truth and a most interesting portion of the word of God, is covered by these lessons. Send for the book, and make these glowing themes of truth the subjects of earnest and prayerful study.
E. ENGLES. We understand Micah iv, 3, to be what the people say, not what God says. It is fulfilled in the false prophecy of the temporal millennium, invented by the great Father of error within the last hundred years, to lull the ease-loving into a false and fatal security as time draws near its close.
Daniel and the Need for Ministers
By C. Seaward
C. SEAWARD. It is our design to go through the entire book of Daniel in the way already commenced. Therefore, the text you mention will, nothing preventing, come under notice in due time. We should be much pleased if a minister could visit your section; but where are the men?
Questions on Daniel
By E. VAN DEUSEN
E. VAN DEUSEN. Your questions will come under consideration as we progress on Daniel.
Peace Through Humility
THE moment a man gives way to inordinate desire, disquietude and torment take possession of his heart. The proud and covetous are never at rest; but the humble and poor in spirit possess their souls in the plentitude of peace.
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE?
By John Nevins Andrews
James iv. 7: “For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time and then vanisheth away.”
If there is anything immortal to man it is the principle of life. This he has from God. But it is not a conscious being that once lived with God, and by God’s direction comes to live with men; then returns to live with God. No; by no means. It is that principle which makes man alive. When man has lost it he returns again to dust. The man did not live till he had it from God; he does not live after God has taken it back. The great error in all this subject is in supposing that the real man is alive after God has taken back that life which he gave him. Was he alive before God gave life to him? If not, can he be still alive after God has taken it back to himself? The life is not the man. If so, the man existed once in Heaven with God. But God made the man of earth and gave him that life. Just as long as the man retains the life that God gave, so long he lives; when that is given up the man is dead. If the man went to God also when the life is taken back by the Almighty, we might perhaps think the man retained his life and continued to live. But when God takes it man has it no longer till God gives it again. The period that man possesses it is the length of time that he lives. Is not this the truth? Then how forcible the words of James: “What is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time and then vanisheth away.”
Did James believe that we have within us an immortal life? If we have, could we compare it to a vapor, lasting only a little time and then gone? Surely, we want a longer, better, and more elevated life, than our present one, which is in duration only a hand breadth. Instead of contending that we have immortality now, our true wisdom is to reach out after, and lay hold on, immortality when God gives it to the just.
J. N. ANDREWS.
Reading the Word.
By H. C. Miller
As the year drew to a close I finished my first course in reading the Bible through. I count it among the blessings that have been renewed day by day by the Lord unto me. Truly my soul has been watered. My love for the Bible has grown. Views of God's justness, mercy, love and faithfulness, have been presented therein such as to cause me to love him more, and to desire to be a faithful servant. I have now a greater desire to again read it, in order to have a more copious refreshing from its stores of truth and light.
H. C. MILLER.
Appointments.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
PROVIDENCE permitting, I will meet with the churches of Iowa as follows: West Union, Sabbath and Sunday, Feb. 6 & 7; Laporte City, Feb. 13 & 14; Marion, 20 & 21; Pilot Grove, meetings commence Feb. 27, and hold as long as duty seems to require. The meeting at Laporte City is to commence Thursday evening, the 11th, and the Marion meeting, Tuesday evening, the 16th. We desire to make an effort to arise, and be more in earnest in the work of God. We hope all will attend these meetings who can do so, and give a little time to the service of God.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
THE next Monthly Meeting in the Northern District in Maine will be held with the church in Norridgewock, the first Sabbath and first-day in February. We hope to see a full attendance. Come with a mind to work, and if there are any backslidden ones in the church, take them with you; for it is time that every soul of us wake up and put on courage. Pray for the missionaries.
CHAS. STRATTON.
THE next Monthly Meeting at Johnstown Center, Wis., will be Feb. 6 and 7, 1869. Will Bro. T. M. Steward meet with us. It will be necessary for those coming to come prepared to take care of themselves as far as possible.
A. B. WILLIAMS.
THE next Monthly Meeting of the churches of Wright, Casnovia and Blendon, will be held at Blendon, Sabbath and Sunday, Feb. 13 and 14, 1869.
BUSINESS AND PERSONAL.
A limited space will be given under this head for Business Notices from the brethren, at 20 cents per line for each insertion. Parties must give good reference as to their standing and responsibility.
WANTED.—A man and a woman by the month or year; the man to work on a farm, and the woman to do all kinds of housework. Address A. C. WOODBURY, Darlington, Wis.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD TO which the money received pays,—which should correspond with the Numbers on the Posters. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
$1.00 each. Mrs E Hurburt 34-1, L D Lawson 35-5, H Kramer 35-5, L E Sipe 34-1, W P Martin 34-1, B M Hubbard 34-1, R Hutchins 34-4, C Buck 34-7, Mrs A Lay 35-4, Mrs H Gardner 35-1, A Robinson 34-1, M Ganson 33-8, G Zobst 34-4, H D Cory 34-1, E I Treat 34-1, E I Barcom 34-1, S E Sutherland 34-1, Amos H Hamlin 34-4, Mrs Van Kirk M A 34-4, L E Burdett 34-4, M D Knight 34-5, A Wilbur 34-9, J Wilbur 34-5, Mrs L C Wardell 34-1, A Chase 34-1, Miles Pepper 34-5, Jesse Wilmot 35-1.
$2.00 each. T F Johnson 34-1, A Olson 34-1, A G Hart 33-3, Mrs C Miles 35-5, Wm Merry 35-1, J Hackett 35-1, P Sanborn 35-1, J P Lewis 35-16, S A McPherson 34-10, Joshua Cole 34-1, E Stafford 33-1, S A Rowland 34-1, G T Lacy 36-1, J B Ingalls 35-1, V M Gray 34-1, H Huntingdon 35-1, N G Sanders 35-1, P Chute 34-1, S H Hewes 35-1, Lizzie Grant 35-4, L Kichler 34-4, P Rathbun 34-14, W Livingston 34-1, H T Harvey 35-1, D Curtis 35-1, L A Green 35-1, Emily Payne 35-1, C Van Horn 31-1, Mrs A Westbury 34-9, L L Glover 34-20, W Stewart 33-18, R A Worden 35-5, L H Winslow 35-9, E Miner 35-4.
$3.00 each. Mary Parmarter 36-4.
Miscellaneous. E Higley $1.50 35-4, J Boyd 5.00 35-9, S Davis 75c 34-4, J Hammond 75c 34-1, J Davis 75c 34-4, W S Dunham 75c 34-4, E M Benson 75c 34-4, N Hodges 2.75 35-20, I J Andrews 2.32, 30-1, S F Grant 4.00 35-1, M Wolf 1.50 35-1, H Wheeler 2.50 35-15.
Advertising 75c.
Books Sent by Mail.
H C Hayden 30c, L Smith 10c S O Winslow $1.50. A G Hart 45c, C D Cook 45c, J Hackett 25c, W P Martin 1.00, M J Olds 1.10, V M Gray 25c, L A Huntington 00c, A Pegg 25c, L M Fuller 1.12, A Robinson 25c, A T Leach 1.00, W P Baker 25c, J P Rathbun 75c, S T McAllister 50c, A D Marsh 1.00, L J Clarke 62.68, H C Winslow 1.00, I G Soule 2.00, J M Merrick 3.60, Wm Cottrell 1.00, C Smith 35c, P H Mason 2.00, L H Winslow 50c, M E Cornett 2.77, Jas Loudon 1.00.
Michigan Conference Fund.
Church at Newton $2.00, Church at Vassar 25.00, Church at Oneida 5.00.
Receipts for Benevolent Fund.
B——— $5.00, N A Hodges 10.00, Abbie Hodges 10.00, L B Hoyt 5.00, Jas Loudon 3.00.
For California Mission.
Noah Hodges $10.00, Abbie Hodges 0.00 L B Hoyt 2.00.